Oven Baked Salmon is one of those comforting dishes that make dinner feel special without a lot of fuss. Imagine walking into your kitchen, the aroma of garlic and butter mingling in the air, and knowing you’re about to enjoy a scrumptious meal. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re hosting friends and family. With just a handful of ingredients and some simple steps, you can whip up a delightful salmon dish that’ll impress everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Oven Baked Salmon is an absolute game changer for family dinners. It’s quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and can easily become a staple in your dinner rotation. The combination of garlic and brown sugar creates a wonderfully balanced flavor with just the right amount of sweetness and savory richness.
“This salmon recipe is a regular in our household now. My kids ask for it every week!” – a happy home cook.
Not only is baking salmon a healthy option, but it also keeps the fish moist and tender. Serve it with your favorite sides for an easy, comforting meal that pleases both kids and adults alike.
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What You’ll Need
Gather these items to make your delicious Oven Baked Salmon:
- Salmon fillets
- Garlic
- Butter
- Brown sugar
- Spices (like paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder)
If you’re out of fresh garlic, feel free to use garlic powder instead. And of course, if salmon isn’t your family’s favorite, swap it for another fish like trout or tilapia!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Oven Baked Salmon is simple and straightforward, perfect for cooks of any skill level. Here’s how it all comes together:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, melt the butter and mix in minced garlic.
- Brush the garlic butter over the salmon fillets.
- In another bowl, combine brown sugar with your choice of spices.
- Sprinkle the spice mix over the salmon fillets.
- Place the salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve warm.
Keep an eye on the salmon as it bakes; you want it to be flaky but not overcooked!
Best Ways to Enjoy It
The beauty of Oven Baked Salmon is its versatility. Serve it with:
- A fresh garden salad for a light meal.
- Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for added nutrients.
- Creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up the delicious juices.
Feeling adventurous? Top your salmon with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of chopped herbs right before serving.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is not likely because it’s so good!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave for about 30 seconds or until warmed through. You can also enjoy it cold in a salad or on a sandwich!
Pro Chef Tips
- Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking the salmon to ensure even cooking.
- If you like a bit of crunch, broil the salmon for the last 2 minutes of cooking.
- Always check the salmon for doneness by looking for that beautiful flakiness.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to mix things up! Try these variations:
- Add a touch of Dijon mustard or honey to the garlic butter for a different flavor profile.
- Experiment with spices like cumin or chili powder for a kick.
- Include a layer of sliced lemons on top of the salmon for a fresh zest.
Common Questions
What’s the prep time for this recipe?
Prep time is about 10 minutes, and cooking time is around 15-20 minutes, making the whole process quick and efficient.
Can I use frozen salmon fillets?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them before cooking for the best results.
How should I reheat baked salmon?
Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to avoid drying out the fish.
With this Oven Baked Salmon recipe, you’re set for a delicious dish that’s sure to bring everyone together around the table. Happy cooking!
Print
Oven Baked Salmon
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
A delicious and easy Oven Baked Salmon recipe, flavored with garlic and brown sugar for a perfect balance of sweetness and savory richness.
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- Spices (paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, melt the butter and mix in minced garlic.
- Brush the garlic butter over the salmon fillets.
- In another bowl, combine brown sugar with your choice of spices.
- Sprinkle the spice mix over the salmon fillets.
- Place the salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve warm.
Notes
For an extra touch, you can broil the salmon for the last 2 minutes of cooking for a crispy finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 60mg